Civil War Round Table: Lincoln’s Legacy & Reconstruction’s Demise

After Lincoln’s funeral train passed through Philadelphia and the Union League mourned its fallen president, the nation turned its attention to the challenge that Lincoln had addressed in his last public speech: Reconstruction. How would the rebellious southern states reintegrate into the Union? How could millions of black Americans in both the north and south achieve a “new birth of freedom?” How could a growing and diverse new nation that emerged from a brutal civil war carry on with the democratic processes? And how could Philadelphia balance old values, new immigrants, and a mobilized black community, all as it prepared to celebrate the centennial anniversary of 1776? 1876 would mark the highest turnout election in U.S. history in an ugly, complex race that would tell America much about its past, and its future. The Smithsonian’s Curator of Political History Jon Grinspan examines the complex politics of Reconstruction as its promise emerged, peaked, and faded away. 

This program will be hosted in-person at the League House. Registration is required.  

Reception: 6:00pm
Program: 6:30pm
End of Program: 7:30pm 

Streaming: Unless requested otherwise by the speaker, Founding Forward programs are streamed via YouTube. Click here to find the livestream (live at 6:30pm the day of the event). Virtual viewing does not require registration.